The Most Popular Food in London, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:37
Visitors and locals in London are frequently faced with an overwhelming choice of food options. From sizzling street food to fine dining experiences, the city's culinary scene is as diverse as its population. Deciding where and what to eat can often seem like a daunting task without some guidance.
Here, every vote counts in shaping a live ranking of the popular food choices based on current preferences. This dynamic list serves as an aide to decision-making, revealing where collective tastes are gravitating at any given time. It encourages participation from all, ensuring the ranking reflects real-world choices and preferences.
What Is the Most Popular Food in London?
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158votes
Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0It is a quintessential British dish and a favorite among the locals and tourists. The dish consists of fried fish and chips, typically served with tartar sauce or malt vinegar.Fish and Chips is a classic British dish consisting of fried fish fillets and chips (thick-cut fries). It is typically made with a white fish, such as cod or haddock, dipped in a batter made of flour and water or beer. The fish is then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The chips are also deep-fried until they have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Fish and Chips is often served with salt and vinegar, as well as tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping. It is a popular take-away food and a staple of British cuisine.- Main Ingredients: White fish fillets, potatoes (for chips)
- Batter: Made with flour, water or beer
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Serving Style: Take-away (often wrapped in newspaper)
- Condiments: Salt, vinegar, tartar sauce, ketchup
Fish and Chips in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular lunch in England
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular food in Perth
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular British dish
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular food in Niagara Falls
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular food in Europe
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Northern Ireland
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233votesA hearty breakfast that includes eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. It is a popular breakfast choice among Londoners and tourists.The Full English Breakfast is a traditional and hearty breakfast that is popular in England. It is a hearty and substantial meal that typically includes a combination of various components.
- Components: A typical Full English Breakfast includes bacon, sausages, eggs (fried, poached, or scrambled), baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding (blood sausage), and fried bread. Optional components may include hash browns, fried or grilled onions, toasted bread, or fried or grilled potatoes.
- Bacon: Usually back bacon or streaky bacon is used.
- Sausages: Pork sausages are commonly used.
- Eggs: The eggs can be cooked according to personal preference.
- Baked Beans: A can of baked beans is often heated and served as a side.
Full English Breakfast in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular breakfast in England
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular British dish
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327votesLondon has a large Indian population, and curry has become a staple in the city's cuisine. There are many Indian restaurants throughout the city serving delicious curries.Curry is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has become popular worldwide. It is a rich and flavorful dish made by combining various spices and herbs with meat, vegetables, or legumes. The dish has a thick and aromatic sauce that can vary in spiciness and complexity depending on regional variations and personal preferences. Curry is often served with rice or bread and is known for its diverse and vibrant flavors.
- Variations: There are countless variations of curry, including Indian curry, Thai curry, Japanese curry, and many more, each with its unique blend of spices and regional influences.
- Ingredients: Curry typically includes a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. It can be made with a wide range of ingredients, including meats like chicken, lamb, or beef, as well as vegetarian options like potatoes, lentils, or chickpeas.
- Flavor Profile: Curry is known for its complex and robust flavors. It can be spicy, tangy, sweet, or savory, depending on the combination of spices and other ingredients used. The flavors are often rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
- Regional Influences: Different regions have their unique twists on curry. Indian curry, for example, varies significantly from one state to another, with each region having its distinct flavors and cooking techniques. Thai curry is known for its liberal use of coconut milk, while Japanese curry has a thicker and milder sauce.
- Cultural Significance: Curry holds significant cultural importance in the cuisines of many countries. It is often associated with communal meals, family gatherings, and festive occasions. It has also become a popular international dish, enjoyed by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
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416votes
Goddards Pies Limited · CC BY-SA 4.0A traditional British dish made with meat pie, mashed potatoes, and parsley sauce. It is a classic comfort food that can be found in many cafes and restaurants in London.Pie and Mash is a traditional British dish that originated in the East End of London. It consists of a meat pie filled with minced beef or minced beef with onions, enclosed in a suet pastry crust. The pie is usually served with mashed potatoes and a parsley liquor, a green sauce made from parsley, water, flour, and butter.- Pie Filling: Minced beef or minced beef with onions
- Pastry: Suet pastry crust
- Serving: With mashed potatoes
- Sauce: Parsley liquor
- Originated: East End of London
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519votesA Sunday roast is a classic British tradition, and it consists of roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. It is a popular meal in London, and many restaurants serve a delicious roast dinner.A roast dinner, also known as a Sunday roast, is a traditional British meal typically enjoyed on Sundays. It consists of roasted meat, such as beef, lamb, chicken, or pork, served alongside roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy. The creator of the roast dinner is not attributed to a specific individual, as it has evolved over many years as a beloved British tradition.
- Meat Options: Beef, lamb, chicken, or pork
- Roasted Potatoes: Golden and crispy
- Yorkshire Pudding: A fluffy and savory baked batter
- Vegetables: Typically includes carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, and green beans
- Gravy: Rich, savory sauce made from meat drippings
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617votesSandwiches are a popular lunchtime meal in London, and there are many sandwich shops and cafes throughout the city. Some popular sandwiches include the classic BLT, chicken and avocado, and ham and cheese.A sandwich is a popular and versatile food item typically served at picnics. It consists of two or more slices of bread with various fillings placed in between. This portable and easy-to-eat food has become a staple for outdoor dining due to its convenience and endless variety.
- Variety: Sandwiches come in an infinite range of flavors and fillings, catering to all dietary preferences.
- Bread: Typically made with slices of bread, whether white, wheat, rye, or other bread varieties.
- Fillings: Fillings can include meats (such as ham, turkey, chicken), cheeses, vegetables, spreads (like mayonnaise, mustard), and condiments.
- Customizability: Sandwiches can be customized with ingredients of choice, enabling personalization.
- Portability: Designed to be easily carried, sandwiches make a convenient and mess-free picnic food.
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79votesJapanese cuisine has become increasingly popular in London, and sushi is a favorite among many Londoners. There are many sushi restaurants throughout the city serving fresh and delicious sushi.Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice combined with various fillings, usually raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. The rice is often wrapped in seaweed (nori) and comes in different shapes and sizes, such as rolls (maki), hand-pressed bites (nigiri), or small clumps (temari). Sushi emphasizes simplicity, freshness, and balance of flavors, making it not just visually appealing but also a delight for the taste buds. The combination of colors, textures, and presentation contributes to its overall beauty.
- Ingredients: Typically includes raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, and vinegared rice.
- Vinegared Rice: The rice used in sushi is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a distinct tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Nori: Seaweed sheets that are commonly used to wrap sushi rolls, adding a savory taste and a contrasting texture.
- Maki: Sushi rolls wrapped with nori, filled with ingredients, and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- Nigiri: Hand-pressed sushi with a small mound of rice topped with sliced raw or cooked seafood.
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810votesPizza is a popular food worldwide, and London is no exception. There are many pizza restaurants throughout the city serving delicious and authentic pizzas.Pizzas are a popular type of Italian cuisine that has gained immense popularity in London. They consist of a round, flat base made of dough, topped with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, tomato sauce, meat, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Dough: Typically made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is commonly used, but other varieties like cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan can also be found.
- Tomato Sauce: Traditional pizzas have a base of tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
- Toppings: A wide range of toppings are available, including pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, bell peppers, ham, pineapple, and more.
- Cooking Method: Pizzas are typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures, resulting in a crispy yet chewy crust.
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97votesBurgers are a popular fast food in London, and there are many burger chains and independent restaurants throughout the city. Londoners love their burgers, and there are many creative and delicious options available.Burgers are a popular type of sandwich made with a ground meat patty, typically beef, that is cooked and placed between two slices of bread or a bun. The patty is often seasoned with various spices and grilled, fried, or charbroiled to perfection. Burgers are known for their versatility, as they can be customized with a wide variety of toppings, condiments, and cheeses, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
- Popular Varieties: Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Bacon Burger, Veggie Burger, Turkey Burger, Chicken Burger, etc.
- Size: Burgers can vary in size, from small sliders to larger, more substantial patties.
- Cooking Style: Grilled, fried, or charbroiled.
- Bread/Bun: Typically served on a sesame seed bun, but other bread options like ciabatta or brioche are also popular.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, bacon, cheese, and many more.
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104votes
Totya · CC BY-SA 3.0London has a vibrant street food scene, and there are many street food markets throughout the city. You can find a variety of cuisines, from Mexican to Korean, and everything in between.Street food in London refers to a diverse range of food items that are served from stalls, carts, and pop-up shops across the city. It has become an integral part of the culinary scene in London, offering a variety of cuisines from all around the world.- Availability: Street food can be found throughout the city, with specific locations such as Borough Market, Camden Market, and Southbank Centre being popular hubs.
- Cuisine: London's street food scene embraces international flavors, ranging from traditional British dishes to dishes from countries like India, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
- Accessibility: Street food is usually affordable and accessible to a wide range of people, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
- Variety: There is an extensive variety of street food available in London, including burgers, tacos, kebabs, sushi, noodles, seafood, vegan options, desserts, and more.
- Innovation: Street food vendors often experiment with unique and innovative culinary concepts, blending different cuisines and flavors to create exciting dishes.
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Cultural diversityLondon is a melting pot of cultures, and this influences its food scene. Therefore, the popularity of different types of cuisine should be considered (e.g., Indian, Italian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, etc.).
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Street foodLondon's thriving street food scene features a variety of dishes from around the world. Popularity of specific dishes or food trucks should be taken into account.
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Restaurant reviews and ratingsOnline reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor can provide insight into the popularity of specific dishes or eateries.
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Social media trendsSocial media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can indicate which foods are currently trending or gaining popularity in London.
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Food awardsAnnual food-related awards, such as the British Curry Awards or London Restaurant Awards, can showcase which dishes or cuisines are particularly popular.
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Sales dataSales data from supermarkets, restaurants, and food markets can provide quantitative information on the popularity of certain foods or ingredients.
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Local and seasonal ingredientsSourcing ingredients from local suppliers and following seasonal trends can impact the popularity of certain dishes or cuisines. 9. Food festivals and events: The participation and turnout at food-related events, like Taste of London or London Food Month, could indicate the popularity of specific foods or cuisines.
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Celebrity chef influenceLondon is home to numerous celebrity chefs, like Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver, whose recommendations and restaurants can significantly impact food trends and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in London. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2105 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in london
London is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity. From traditional English dishes to exotic international cuisine, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine which food is the most popular. However, through extensive research and analysis, we've discovered that there are a few dishes that reign supreme. Keep reading to find out what Londoners love to eat!
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